Connecticut residents experience explosions at Boston Marathon

WFSB Reporter Tina Martin is live in Boston near Huntington Avenue and West Newton Street.

WFSB Reporter Tina Martin is live in Boston and provided us with this photo.

WFSB Reporter Tina Martin is live in Boston and provided us with this photo.

CBS News has released the following photo of President Barack Obama learning about explosions that occurred near finish line of Boston Marathon.

Boylston Street is completely closed, according to Tina Martin, who is in Boston.

BOSTON (WFSB) -

More than 400 Connecticut residents were among the thousands of people who witnessed two explosions at the finish line of the Boston Marathon Monday afternoon.

According to the Boston Marathon website, there were 419 Connecticut residents signed up to participate in the race.

"It's an emotional moment when you cross the finish line," said Vito Iacovazzi, of West Hartford, who finished her first Boston Marathon 30 minutes before the explosions. "I feel sad for those behind me, especially those injured or killed, sobering day today."

Three people are dead and more than 130 were injured after two explosions were reported near the finish line of the Boston Marathon.

"It's a horrible feeling with that many people and congestion," said Kim Iacovazzi, of West Hartford. "You can't get out. You can't imagine trying to escape."

According to the club's Facebook page, all the runners for the Hartford Track Club as well as the runners from Newtown have been accounted for and are headed back to Connecticut.

"When it first went off, I started running," said Jon Ferguson, of Stoneham. "I took off running, no idea what was happening."

Google has set up a people finder for the marathon. It can be accessed through the following link.

Anyone looking for victims can also call the mayor's office hot line at 617-635-4500.

Travel being affected by the explosions

The Federal Aviation Administration has ordered no-fly zone with a 3 1/2-mile radius over 811 Boylston St. in Boston. The order will remain in effect until further notice.

However, the FAA has reduced restrictions over Boston explosion area and lifted "ground stop" on flights bound for Logan Airport.

Officials at Logan Airport have delayed flights, but flights are departing and arriving at the airport. Passengers are advised to check with their airlines before heading to Logan Airport.

In Connecticut, officials from Bradley International Airport could not comment on any security measures they may be taking because of this incident.

The Metropolitan Transportation Authority Police Department has increased patrols and bag inspections because of the incident at the Boston Marathon.

"All security personnel will remind all employees to be vigilant," said Charles Seaton with MTA Media Relations in a statement. "The increased coverage will continue until we fully understand the cause of the explosions in Boston."

The Metro-North Police Department has increased patrols coverage and bag inspections because of the incident at the Boston Marathon.

However, Amtrak officials said its operations continue normally. The Amtrak police have stepped up patrols and conducted additional sweeps at its stations and track right-of-ways.

"APD is holding over officers to ensure adequate staffing levels and is working with local and national law enforcement partners and staffing regional intelligence centers to share and collect information in response to the events taking place in the Boston area," according to a statement.

Police being sent to Boston to assist with recovery efforts

According to state police, two state police bomb squad troopers have been requested and are being sent to Boston.

The Connecticut State Police have been in contact with Massachusetts State Police, and state troopers are prepared to assist with whatever Boston needs.

The New Haven Police Department is holding some of its day shift officers because of the incident.

Public Affairs Officer Col. John Whitford said the Connecticut National Guard is not being sent to Boston.

The Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection said there are no plans to open the state Emergency Operations Center as of 5:30 p.m.

"We continue to monitor the situation through our state intelligence center," said Scott DeVico, who is the public information officer at the Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection. "We are in contact with federal Homeland Security, who continue to provide us with regular updates."

Hospitals in Connecticut ready to aid Boston hospitals

Hartford Hospital officials said they have been put on alert because Boston Hospitals are at capacity.

Officials from Bridgeport Hospital said they do not anticipate any victims being taken to their facility for burns. Officials added they are hearing most of the injuries are traumatic injuries.

Yale-New Haven, Day Kimball and Saint Francis are aware of the situation, but are not on alert. Officials said they could take patients, if needed.

Lawmakers react to the explosions at the Boston Marathon

Gov. Dannel P. Malloy released a statement Monday evening that stated, "Our thoughts and prayers are with the people of Massachusetts during this difficult time."

"Connecticut's law enforcement officials and emergency responders are in close contact with their counterparts both in Massachusetts and with federal Homeland Security officials as we continue to receive information about the horrific events in Boston," the statement read. "We will offer our full support to our neighboring state and assist in any way we can."

U.S. Rep Elizabeth Esty released the following statement:

"Like all Americans, I was shocked and saddened to learn of the explosions in Boston this afternoon, and my thoughts and prayers are with the victims. While details are still emerging, I hope and pray for the safety of everyone affected by this tragedy."

U.S. Rep. Jim Himes tweeted there was a "moment of silence on the House Floor for the victims of the Boston attacks."

Our thoughts and prayers are with the people of Boston after the unimaginable tragedy that occurred today during the Marathon," said Bridgeport Mayor Bill Finch in a statement. "The Boston Marathon is the happiest day of the year, but it will never be quite the same after this event. "

Finch and Bridgeport City Council observed a moment of silence during its meeting Monday night.

People in Boston being told to remain indoors

People in Boston are being advised to stay inside their homes.

Students at Boston University have been told to go back to their residences and not to congregate in large groups.

Anyone who saw something at the marathon is being advised to call 1-800-494-TIPS.

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